Pathos of George Bush's Speech

George Bush invokes pathos in the audience by first sending a message of unity, strength and togetherness to the American people. Stating examples where "a loving and giving people who have made the grief of strangers their own" helped their fellow Americans, he sends a message that Americans treat each other like family, creating a bond between all who were affected by these attacks. His use of words and diction further suggest that the country is in mourning and is only held together by the values of love, peace and patriotism that all human beings intrinsically possess. He hopes to capture the sympathies of the world, and hopes many people will join in mourning and in vigil. Next, he describes the brutal tactics of al-Qaida, particularly describing Afghanistan where many "people have been brutalized, many are starving and many have fled." He sees a humanitarian purpose for identifying and ousting these radicals, and hopes to win support by describing the hardship and imprisonment of the peaceful people of an underdeveloped country. When answering the question of what is expected of the American people, he asks them to "live their lives and hug their children." He further emphasizes the values of love and compassion that are dear to Americans, and wants the people to persevere and give everything they are asked for the government. Sending a message of safety by claiming that "this country will define our times, not be defined by them," the president wants people to be at ease, but know that they are now in a war. He appeals to the emotion of the listener's in order for them to continue to live their lives and to be steadfast and unwavering in the face of a war.